Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

I've read a number of bad reviews from professionals with the 3M filtrete products. I have a Lennox ML193 furnace that has the "healthy climate" 5" filter bay.

I've used the Filtrete 1550 (16x25x4) in the past and the Honeywell 4" "Micro Defense" filters, and it came with the Lennox 4" (maybe 5") merv10 filter.

I like the filtrete's because they are the easiest to purchase, followed by the Honeywell's. The 4" Filtrete is sold at target and I can find the 4" Honeywell at HD. The Lennox filters are the hardest to find because you have to go to the Lennox dealer....or order online.

As far as performance goes, which one would you recommend? I'm wondering if the Filtrete's would be OK with my furnace because it has the bigger HC cabinet and it's a newer furnace. I also have to add that I have horrible allergies and asthma, so the more filtered air, the better. I also don't want to measure the temperature above the heat exchanger and compare it to see if it's running too hot or not... just because I'm lazy and can't find my probe.

So, with the setup I have, does it sound like the Filtrete is alright, or should I make a run out to a lennox dealer for their filter....

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Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

I've read a number of bad reviews from professionals with the 3M filtrete products. I have a Lennox ML193 furnace that has the "healthy climate" 5" filter bay.

I've used the Filtrete 1550 (16x25x4) in the past and the Honeywell 4" "Micro Defense" filters, and it came with the Lennox 4" (maybe 5") merv10 filter.

I like the filtrete's because they are the easiest to purchase, followed by the Honeywell's. The 4" Filtrete is sold at target and I can find the 4" Honeywell at HD. The Lennox filters are the hardest to find because you have to go to the Lennox dealer....or order online.

As far as performance goes, which one would you recommend? I'm wondering if the Filtrete's would be OK with my furnace because it has the bigger HC cabinet and it's a newer furnace. I also have to add that I have horrible allergies and asthma, so the more filtered air, the better. I also don't want to measure the temperature above the heat exchanger and compare it to see if it's running too hot or not... just because I'm lazy and can't find my probe.

So, with the setup I have, does it sound like the Filtrete is alright, or should I make a run out to a lennox dealer for their filter....

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

OK, so maybe the best thing would be to check the temp rise. I was being lazy, but I will find my temp probe tonight and check it. I suppose it won't be THAT hard...I guess I was just being lazy.

Without knowing much or being a HVAC guy, I would think that the reason Filtrete's have a bad name is because people assume that since the label says it lasts up to a year, and they're buying an expensive filter, that they don't have to change it as frequently. Again, I'm no expert, but I get that feeling. I try to change mine on a monthly (or maybe two month) basis.

I still have the question about Filtrete vs Honeywell vs Lennox filters, and which one would be best to use. Also, a technical question about my furnace...does anybody know if it is an ECM motor in there, and what the max MERV value I can go up to with it?

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

OK, so maybe the best thing would be to check the temp rise. I was being lazy, but I will find my temp probe tonight and check it. I suppose it won't be THAT hard...I guess I was just being lazy.

Without knowing much or being a HVAC guy, I would think that the reason Filtrete's have a bad name is because people assume that since the label says it lasts up to a year, and they're buying an expensive filter, that they don't have to change it as frequently. Again, I'm no expert, but I get that feeling. I try to change mine on a monthly (or maybe two month) basis.

I still have the question about Filtrete vs Honeywell vs Lennox filters, and which one would be best to use. Also, a technical question about my furnace...does anybody know if it is an ECM motor in there, and what the max MERV value I can go up to with it?

Thanks!

The name brand doesn't matter...........its the MERV rating that you want to watch............In 30 years of doing HVAC service have I never found a properly sized furnace on properly sized duct work over heating or freezing up from a Merv 10 or higher filter (unless the filter was plugged.)

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleyrider

The name brand doesn't matter...........its the MERV rating that you want to watch............In 30 years of doing HVAC service have I never found a properly sized furnace on properly sized duct work over heating or freezing up from a Merv 10 or higher filter (unless the filter was plugged.)

Different brands of the same MERV rating do have a different PD at the same CFM.

Few duct systems are installed/sized for a air filter of a MERV rating higher then 10. And MERV 13 filters often have a high PD. So people think that the same size will allow the same amount of air through. Not realizing that the duct system wasn't designed for it.

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

the Merit line does not have an ecm motor. the elite and signature series have some with ecm motors. based on my 33 yrs experience in 90+ % of the units I see most of them don't have big honkin oversized ductwork so any filter over merv 10 restricts enough airflow that they ride the limit control and won't work properly. nowadays builders use the cheapest smallest sized ductwork possible. do the proper temp rise test. yes, it is a backwards equation. people figure the more a filter costs the longer it should last but it is the opposite. it is taking more dust out and plugging sooner and slowing down the airflow and overheating the furnace and causing the motor to draw more amps/juice and running up your electric bill too.

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Different brands of the same MERV rating do have a different PD at the same CFM.

Few duct systems are installed/sized for a air filter of a MERV rating higher then 10. And MERV 13 filters often have a high PD. So people think that the same size will allow the same amount of air through. Not realizing that the duct system wasn't designed for it.

I disagree.......if this were true then the MERV rating would be worthless, Of course its not its used daily by hundreds of thousands of professionals world wide. Every return drop we put in we leave provissions so our customers can up grade to a 4 in wide filter if they want, and never have we had a problem doing so. The only time we/I have ever seen a problem is when the HO did not keep the filter clean. Static pressure from one brand to the other is virtually identical, obviously a higher Merv rating will have a different SP then a lower Merv rating. to make a statement such as what you have made is unfounded and very irresponsible on your part.

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleyrider

I disagree.......if this were true then the MERV rating would be worthless, Of course its not its used daily by hundreds of thousands of professionals world wide. Every return drop we put in we leave provissions so our customers can up grade to a 4 in wide filter if they want, and never have we had a problem doing so. The only time we/I have ever seen a problem is when the HO did not keep the filter clean. Static pressure from one brand to the other is virtually identical, obviously a higher Merv rating will have a different SP then a lower Merv rating. to make a statement such as what you have made is unfounded and very irresponsible on your part.

Lennox ML193 with a Filtrete

Acefurnacefixer' this You Tube link clearly shows the tighter the filter the more wattage on a motor as it works harder to move air thru it.
A test chamber is used and several diff filters are tested for their restrictiveness.